Head coach of Algeria, Vladimir Petkovic is hoping his outfit will overcome DR Congo in the round of 16 to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Desert Foxes will lock horns with the Leopards on Tuesday, at Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with both teams seeking for victory to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the continental showpiece.
Ahead of the match, the Croatian-Bosnian tactician has set sights on defeating DR Congo in order to secure qualification to the last 8 of the tournament in Morocco.
“We will play an important match and we hope to qualify. We have a desire to stay in Rabat. It will be a tough match against a difficult opponent who has many positive points.”
“We are happy with what we achieved in the group stage, but that is now in the past. Now we will face a strong opponent. I am only thinking about this match, and then we will see what happens. I am not thinking about the next step. ”
“The Congo match will be a starting point; every match is a starting point, and most importantly, we are positive and confident.”
“They are a distinguished team in all phases of the game. They play with tight lines and do not give up throughout the 90 minutes. We see the impact of the coach’s work, and I congratulate them on what they have achieved. They were able to achieve positive results even in the qualifiers, and they are used to facing big opponents. But we must focus on ourselves and impose our style, and not leave the field to them.”
“We analyzed the Congolese players and their individual level, but I think my team will perform well. I respect the players and their individual level, but I think about the team as a whole, and I will try to make my team better as a group and as a team.”
The winner of the match will face the winner between Nigeria and Mozambique in the quarterfinals.
